The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) welcomes today’s announcement by Premier Wab Kinew and Ontario Premier Doug Ford of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. This agreement aims to strengthen the flow of goods, services, investment, and labour mobility between our provinces – an important milestone in the movement toward true internal free trade within Canada.
From the perspective of Manitoba’s business community, this is more than a symbolic gesture – it is a tangible commitment to economic collaboration and modernization that will benefit companies, workers, and consumers in both provinces.
Many interprovincial trade barriers – the rules and restrictions around how businesses buy, sell, or move goods and services between provinces – come from provincial regulations like licensing, certification rules, or differing standards. Without coordination between provinces, these rules persist or even multiply, making it difficult for businesses to operate freely across borders. Given the climate of geopolitical uncertainty, dismantling interprovincial trade barriers is no longer an option, it’s a necessity.
A Win for Chambers – and a Nod to Collaborative Advocacy
The MOU’s focus on reducing interprovincial trade barriers, including improving direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and enhancing labour mobility, directly aligns with long-standing priorities of our Chamber network. For years, businesses have faced unnecessary friction and regulatory hurdles when trying to operate across provincial lines. Today’s announcement signals a shared provincial resolve to change that – and we applaud both premiers for their leadership.
This agreement offers momentum for the Chambers of the Federation initiative, which reflects a collaborate effort among provincial and territorial chambers of commerce to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities that benefit all Canadians. This MOU builds on the groundwork laid during MCC’s recent engagement with Premier Doug Ford, Chair of the Council of the Federation, at the first Chambers of the Federation meeting in Toronto in March.
In collaboration with fellow provincial chambers, MCC called for renewed provincial leadership on internal trade, greater labour mobility, and mutual recognition of standards in An Agenda for Economic Growth and Stability. This new agreement reflects those priorities in action.
Unlocking Economic Opportunity
The economic ties between Manitoba and Ontario are already strong, with almost $20 billion in interprovincial trade annually between our provinces. But the potential to grow this figure – and unlock new efficiencies and opportunities for businesses – is enormous. Reducing trade barriers nationwide could add up to $200 billion to Canada’s GDP, as Premier Ford noted on Wednesday. That’s a return no jurisdiction can afford to leave on the table.
As the unified voice of Manitoba’s business community, MCC will continue to advocate for measures that strengthen Canada’s internal economy, reduce duplication, and make it easier for businesses to grow and compete – whether they operate in one province or across the country.
We commend Premiers Kinew and Ford for their leadership and look forward to working closely with the Government of Manitoba and our Chamber peers to support implementation and expansion of this MOU and the principles behind it.
